Train strikes and EU entry-exit delays spark fears of bank holiday travel chaos Roads to coastal resorts and Premier League venues are likely to be congested The Independent UK · May 21
Use of asylum hotels falls to new low as net migration also plummets IN FULL The Independent UK · May 21
Energy shock from Iran war to weigh on Europe's growth, boost inflation The European Union’s executive commission has cut its growth outlook and predicted higher inflation due to sharply higher energy prices from the war in Iran The Independent UK · May 21
EasyJet issue summer fuel update after sharp rise in financial losses ‘We fully intend to fly the summer schedule that we have on sale’ – Kenton Jarvis, CEO of Britain's biggest budget airline The Independent UK · May 21
Euro zone growth forecast cut because of war impact BRUSSELS - The euro zone economy will expand less than expected this year, the European Commission said on Thursday, as the Middle East war and subsequent energy shock take their toll. Bangkok Post · May 21
EU cuts 2026 growth forecast as Strait of Hormuz crisis pushes inflation up The EU has downgraded its 2026 economic growth forecast after the Strait of Hormuz crisis sent energy prices sharply higher earlier this year. With no end to the conflict in sight, rising energy costs are fuelling tensions among member states calling for additional fiscal support measures. Euronews · May 21
Net migration to UK falls by nearly 50% after Labour’s vow to cut numbers Decline to 171,000 last year will encourage ministers in what is seen as a battleground issue against Reform The Guardian - UK · May 21
Europe is considering price caps to control inflation. CEOs are shaking their heads in despair With inflation fears stalking the globe, politicians are once again reaching for the wrong lever. Fortune · May 21
EU countries and Parliament clash on controversial return rules for migrants The European Parliament and EU member states have failed to agree on a law enabling home searches and setting up deportation centres outside the EU to speed up migrants’ returns. Euronews · May 21
UK net migration drops below 200,000 for first time since Covid-19 pandemic The ONS said the continued fall in net migration is being driven by fewer people from outside the EU arriving in the UK for work. Evening Standard · May 21
Merz proposes 'associate EU membership' for Ukraine, with mutual assistance The "associate membership" envisioned by Friedrich Merz would allow Ukraine to request assistance from other EU countries against a Russian attack. This, Merz says, would create a "substantial security guarantee". Euronews · May 21
'Flexible hot girl summer' is still on, but it's going to cost you Your hot girl summer plans to Europe are still on, but just plan a few months ahead to save as much as possible. Fortune · May 21
Technological sovereignty is not about isolation, EU digital chief says Henna Virkkunen says tech sovereignty means cutting risky dependencies and boosting European capacity in areas from semiconductor supply chains to cloud services. Euronews · May 21
Marking 20 years of independence, Montenegro eyes EU as next milestone Concerts and various celebrations are being held in the capital Podgorica this week and other towns in Montenegro, which is known for its stunning Adriatic Sea coastline and towering mountains. Euronews · May 21
Motor1 · May 21 Don't Worry: Ford Won't Sell 'Toasters On Wheels' In Europe Five new models are launching on the continent this decade, including a Euro-specific Bronco.
The Guardian - UK · May 21 Many Nato countries not spending enough to support Ukraine, says Rutte – as it happened Nato chief delivers speech in Sweden as he hints at further changes to US military commitments to Europe
Euronews · May 21 Newsletter: NATO alliance and Balts hold the defensive line As NATO foreign ministers meet in Sweden on Thursday to discuss the role of Washington in the military alliance, as well as dwindling ammunition stocks, the Baltics are coming to grips with repeated drone incursions threatening chaos in capitals – and Europe's eastern flank.
Euronews · May 21 The EU simplified its toughest AI law: what changed and why it matters EU lawmakers have agreed to simplify the bloc’s landmark AI Act. Supporters call it a pragmatic fix to cut red tape, while critics see a concession to Big Tech. What is changing and what could it mean for businesses and citizens?
Radio France Internationale · May 21 Chinese investment in Europe hits seven-year high but rebound may be short-lived Chinese foreign direct investment in Europe surged last year to its highest level since 2018, driven by a wave of major acquisitions and large-scale factory projects. But analysts are warning the recovery could be temporary.
Euronews · May 21 Europe Today: Drones, bunkers and political turmoil: what’s going on in Lithuania? A drone incursion into Lithuania on Wednesday brought the capital to a standstill and forced the country’s leaders to shelter in a bunker. Ursula von der Leyen has said Europe will respond with “unity and strength”. We speak to Lithuania’s defence minister, Robertas Kaunas.
The Independent UK · May 21 Voices: ‘Only option’ or ‘losing strategy’? Readers react to Labour’s Brexit split YOUR VIEWS: As Labour’s leadership hopefuls reopen the Brexit debate, many Independent readers argued the party can no longer ignore the fallout of leaving the EU – though others warned it risks reigniting old wars
The Independent UK · May 21 Europe’s second-youngest country is racing to join the EU by 2028 – but this could stop them Montenegro marks 20 years of independence from a union with Serbia this week and has already joined Nato
Euronews · May 21 EU pays Egypt billions to manage migration — Cairo says it is not enough Egypt’s growing refugee and migrant population, seeking safety from wars in Sudan, Syria and the wider region, has put further pressure on aid agencies and public services as Cairo urges Europe to share more of the cost.
Euronews · May 21 ‘Colossal profits’: Christian leaders lambast fossil fuel giants as they demand EU windfall tax “Europe holds a historic duty and opportunity to lead the transition to a new era away from fossil fuels”, say faith groups from across the EU.
France 24 · May 21 Germany's Merz proposes Ukraine as EU ‘associate member’ without voting rights German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has proposed granting Ukraine “associate member” status in the European Union without voting rights while it pursues full membership, according to a letter seen by AFP on Thursday. The plan would allow Kyiv representation at EU summits, the European Commission and parliament, but without voting powers.